Statistical Prediction Techniques for Analysis of Field Failures

In any statistical prediction problem involving items being used by customers in the field, it is important to attach the correct percentile number to each case of a failure. The method of “suspended items,” that is, treating unfailed items together with failed ones, is presented as one solution in this difficult problem of placing failures in correct order within a population. Once this has been done, the prediction problem can be solved in a straightforward manner, either graphically or numerically in a computer.